Andhra Pradesh officials on high alert as Cyclone Murasu nears landfall
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed the administration to prioritise preventing loss of life as the storm approaches the coast.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered officials to remain on high alert as Cyclone Murasu approaches the state coast, according to reports by The New Indian Express and ANI. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kothapatnam, close to Ongole, in the early hours of Tuesday with wind speeds reaching 100–110 kmph.
The Chief Minister conducted a review meeting at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre on Monday. He instructed officials to ensure that people in high-risk areas do not go outdoors until the cyclone passes and emphasised that preventing loss of life must be the top priority.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that heavy rainfall is expected in 125 mandals. The cyclone may cross the coast near Bapatla on Tuesday morning. The Chief Minister also noted that the impact of Murasu is likely to be relatively limited compared to Cyclone Arnab.
In Prakasam district, Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan Raju stated that three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and one State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team are stationed for rescue and evacuation operations. He added that communication networks have been installed in the most affected villages.
Regarding power infrastructure, officials noted that approximately 8,000 electricity poles in the South Coastal and Rayalaseema districts could be damaged by the winds. To assist with repairs, 1,000 personnel are travelling from Chennai to help restore power in various districts, including Nellore and Prakasam.